The Perfect Cardamom Shortbread Cookie Recipe

Buttery, crisp, and infused with the warm, citrusy spice of cardamom, these cardamom shortbread cookies are simple yet luxurious! They pair perfectly with tea, coffee, or even a glass of milk, making them an ideal treat for any occasion. Let’s bake the most delicate, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies infused with the magic of cardamom! 👇

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

🍪 For the Shortbread Dough:

✔️ 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened 🧈
✔️ ½ cup (100g) sugar 🍚
✔️ 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 🌾
✔️ ½ tsp salt 🧂
✔️ 1½ tsp ground cardamom 🌿
✔️ 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for extra depth of flavor) 🌼

✨ For the Topping (Optional but Delicious!):

✔️ 1 tbsp sugar + ¼ tsp ground cardamom (for sprinkling)
✔️ Melted dark or white chocolate for drizzling 🍫

🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions

🧈 1. Cream the Butter & Sugar

👉 In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).

🌿 2. Add Dry Ingredients

👉 Mix in flour, salt, and ground cardamom until a soft dough forms.
👉 If using vanilla extract, add it now.

🍪 3. Shape & Chill the Dough

👉 Turn the dough onto a sheet of parchment paper and shape it into a log (for round cookies) or flatten it into a disc (for cut-out cookies).
👉 Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes (this helps enhance the flavor and prevent spreading).

🔪 4. Slice or Cut the Cookies

👉 Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
👉 If using a log shape, slice into ¼-inch thick rounds.
👉 If using a disc shape, roll the dough to ¼-inch thickness and cut with cookie cutters.

🥄 5. Sprinkle & Bake

👉 Sprinkle cookies with cardamom-sugar mixture for extra flavor.
👉 Place on a lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

🍫 6. Cool & Decorate

👉 Let cookies cool on a wire rack.
👉 If desired, drizzle with melted dark or white chocolate for a gourmet touch!

🌟 Why You’ll Love These Cardamom Shortbread Cookies

✅ Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture – Buttery & crisp!
✅ Warm & Fragrant – Cardamom adds an irresistible aroma!
✅ Simple Yet Elegant – Perfect for tea time or holiday gifts!
✅ Easy to Make – Just mix, chill, and bake!